SYDNEY, Australia — A hot air balloon landed heavily after hitting a tree north of Sydney on Friday, injuring 16 people, officials said. The Health Department said 16 passengers were treated at a hospital and at least 12 had been discharged late Friday. Television reports showed branches strewn on the ground from a eucalyptus tree the balloon stuck and foliage still clinging to its basket after landing. The balloon’s operator, Balloon Safaris, did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment Friday. In January, four passengers were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries when a Balloon Safaris hot air balloon made a heavy landing in Hunter Valley.

Source: National Post March 30, 2018 01:09 UTC